Sunday, February 13, 2011

Rather than throw my blogging hat into the ring with all the lovely pink and red heart-shaped puffs, poofs, cookies, pastries, and confections out there, I have instead joined forces with the lovely and talented Maya of Foodiva's Kitchen and Penny aka Jeroxie of Addictive and Consuming to bring you a Tropical Asian Valentine's Extravaganza.

What, you've never heard of celebrating Valentine's day with some cute little kofta?

It all started when I won this gorgeous book, Tropical Asian Cooking, from Maya in a giveaway:

The book features cuisine from India, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, and Maldives, and the photography is drop-dead stunning. Flipping through it, I seriously wondered how I would ever choose which dish to make first. But Maya came up with a way to narrow it down: she suggested that the three of us each cook one dish from the book and post about it. Fun! As the book is divided into sections - Tropical Morning, Tropical Noon, and Tropical Night - she had the clever idea that we could each make something from a different section, and in that way present you with an entire day's worth of Valentine's feasting.

To that end, Penny is bringing you breakfast, Maya has lunch covered, and my dish, the spinach kofta with eggplant puree, is from Tropical Night. Given that my dish is supposed to be for the dinner portion of the day probably means I shouldn't show you this photo ... in which you can just make out the corner of my pajamas as I'm forming the kofta:

Ahem. I am sure that someone thinks that flannel pajamas are romantic.

So okay, I admit it: I made my "Tropical Night" dish for breakfast. But Poppa Trix and I loved these little bites of goodness all the same. (You can see the recipe at here at Google Books, but I highly suggest you pick up a copy - you'll want to peruse all the eye candy, I promise.)

Allow me to describe the awesomeness of this dish: mashed potato, garam masala, spinach, chick pea flour, garlic, ginger, onion, and cumin, formed into little balls and baked until crispy. For garnish? Hot chilis, tomato, red onion, and cilantro. (The recipe called for frying the kofta, which turned out rather messily, as I think I didn't get the oil hot enough. Luckily I had set aside a good number to bake.) I cannot decide whether I like the kofta or the puree - eggplant, garlic, yogurt, curry powder, and cilantro - more. They are definitely a perfect pairing - a fitting choice for the holiday.

To further whet your appetite, go and check out what Penny and Maya made. I know, but I won't tell so as not to spoil the surprise. Happy (tropical) Valentine's Day! And of course I dedicate this Valentine's post to Poppa Trix - the only person in the world who really does think I look good in my flannel pajamas!

25 comments:

I just don't know how to express how talented you are my friend, amazing looking presentation of food, even if I didnt like it I would have to eat it... everything is gorgeous luckily I <3 everything!~ Happy V Day!

Haha Trix...that's too funny. I have flannel pyjamas too and my kids all think it's cool when they come up to me for a cuddle and some warmth out of the material! Your presentation of the spinach koftas is simply adorable, and I bet Poppa Trix enjoyed being fed (handfed?) these for breakfast ;-). Happy Valentine's Day to you both!

I have never had a kofta like that... always meat. I am especially fascinated by the papadam addition.. how I love those. I actually bought the seeds that give them that great taste... but the crunch in the koftas sounds delicious. Another gorgeous dish too, Trix. PS The flannel adds a nice flash of color!

You did an excellent job on your plating and pics. It's so hard to photograph Indian food to look appealing, so kudos to you. And thanks for sharing this with us. The book sounds very interesting. I'd love to find a pan-Asian book that tackles veg food. That would be rad. Cheers.

The food I cook in my jammies somehow tastes better! This dish looks amazingly delish, and I am seriously considering trying this out for DH in the very near future (not tonite, other plans)! Don't you just love NEW cookbooks?!

Hey Trix! You'd love my neighborhood. We can grow a lot of the tropical Asian foods here like pandan, basil, papaya, ginger, lime, jalapeno, etc. You know, all the wonderful Asian flavors that are very tropical too. Ooh, and these look wonderful. I always associate kofta or kefta with meat, but I like this better. As you might imagine...:)Happy Valentine's Day, My Trix!

I love this book, can just imagine what amazing flavors and spices are showcased; I love that little kofta you picked for this post, and I can't wait totry it one of these nights. I will check out the other blogs as well.

I love spinach! This looks so good!I’m glad I discovered your blog through FFwD. I stopped by today to award you the Stylish Blogger Award to let you know how much I enjoy it. I know others have done the same, but I still wanted to share my appreciation of what you’re doing. Reading your blog brightens my day. Happy Cooking! Betsy

the cover of that cookbook makes me want to buy it already -- and so does your version of the kofta. I've never thought of them as breakfast food before, but now that I see it, I'm thinking it's a good idea!

Those koftas sound incredible - I love all that goodness that is in there!I need to buy that cookbook - have to admit, I don't have the slightest clue when it comes to Asian cooking, but I do enjoy eating it. :)

Congratulations on the winning, Trix! And thank you so much for sharing the recipe from the cookbook. I bet it was fun you 3 doing something from the cookbook at the same time. Enjoy & have fun. Btw, these are addictive snack. Need self control! haha... Blessings, Kristy